URGENT:  Please send items / articles for Cornstalk (plain text preferred) & images (separately please) as soon as possible. Coral has very limited time to work on it this month & would greatly appreciate early receipt of material.

Kate McLurcan's three Choirs are about to begin, with The Songs of Eric Bogle:

North Sydney Community Centre.  Mondays 7.45-9.15pm - 8 wks from 23 July.  Course Fee: $135. Bookings: 9922 2299
Circle Cafe, Darling St, Balmain.  Wednesdays 7.30-9pm - 8 wks from 25 July.  Course Fee: $120. Bookings: 0412 771 394
The Tramshed, Narrabeen.  Thursdays 7.30-9pm - 8 wks from 26 July.  Course Fee: $120. Bookings: 0412 771 394

Come join a joyous choir & discover the glorious variety of his songs. Eric is a prolific writer of sensitive, political, & very funny songs. A CD with the 19 tracks to be covered is available at $10 when booking, so you can get to know the songs! Concert for family & friends on the last night - with special guests. No experience needed. All voices warmly welcomed! (Free 'Eric Bogle in Concert' film screenings on 16 & 21 July.)  Kate 0412 771 394.

Bastille Day French Folk Dance. Wongawilli Hall.  8pm.  $3, children free. Includes a light supper. Acoustic musicians & dancers welcome.  Sheet music provided.  Dave 0409 57 1788

Pat Drummond, described by Ralph McTell as a ‘National Treasure’, & by Eric Bogle as ‘clear eyed & compassionate ... with songs that have a quality that sets them apart from, & above, most others you will hear'. Songs from decades of travelling Australia’s backroads. + Fellow Blue Mts balladeer Jim Low. Jim's sensitive songs capture his deep interest in & love of Australia, its people & history. 'Bogan Gate' was on ABC Macca's CD. Jim's 2nd CD, 'The Further I Travel', is hot off the press. Floor spots, raffles.  Sutherland Acoustic, Tradies Club, Kingsway, Gymea (short walk from station).  7.30pm.  $15, FF $12, $10, kids free.  Maeve 9520 5628

Folk Federation of NSW Inc, Annual General Meeting.  The Gaelic Club, Upstairs Meeting Room, 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills.  6.30pm. Pam Davis  0412 730 754.

Mofo Concert: Telegraph Tower + My Sauce Good.  The Gaelic Club, upstairs, 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills.  8.30pm.  Email for more info.

Toongabbie Music Club. Theme is not mandatory - but the date suggests anything of horror (eg the daily news!).  Scouts Hall, 17 Whitehaven Rd, Northmead.  7.30pm.  $7 (to cover hall rent, insurance, etc.)   Bring warm clothing, firewood & a smile along with instruments & voices (a jam session always happens).  Allen 9639 7494

Doug Dekroo's Kentucky Moon (bluegrass). Two 45 minute sets, followed by another band (TBC).  Town & Country Hotel, cnr Unwins Bridge Rd & Campell St, just west of Prince's Hwy, & about 5 minutes' walk from St Peters station. It has a bistro & beer garden.  7.30pm.  No cover charge.  Doug 0414 685 842

Enzo Toppano and Vov Dylan return to Humph Hall!  Enzo's 83rd birthday celebration last year with numerous celebrities including George Gola, Bob Barnard, Peta Toppano and Barry Crocker, was the biggest event Humph Hall has ever seen.  Last December Enzo and Vov launched their new CD 'Off the Cuff' here and now, due to an unexpected opening in their timetable, they are able to be back again together with Mark Howard (double bass) and Brian Dean (guitar).  Humph Hall, 85 Allambie Rd, Allambie Heights.  2pm.  Audience numbers limited to 50 so book early!  Wayne Richmond 9939 8802,

Central Coast Dance. Colonial Theme Bush Dance with Southern Cross & special guests The Australian Colonial & Folk Dancers. All dances are from the Australian tradition & will be taught & called. Add to the colour by wearing Colonial costume, kilt, military or 'Bush' dress.  East Gosford Progress Hall, cnr Henry Parry Drive & Wells St.  7.30-11.30pm.  $18, $15, students 13-16 $8, under-12 $5. Includes light supper.  Beate 4323 3356, Linda 4381 0457.

Sydney’s historic Hyde Park Barracks, ‘Redcoats & Convicts’ Open Day, 9.30am - 4pm. Lots of ‘living history’ entertainment, incl. friends of the Earthly Delights Historic Dance Academy offering some c.1800 costumed music & dance - with lots of led participatory dancing, between 1 & 2pm. So a free dance!

The Bearded Gypsy Band, inspired by the likes of Django Reinhardt & folk music from around the planet. Eclectic mix of pulsing gypsy tunes. Four young musicians, still at school & university, with a musical authority beyond their years.  + Daniel Champagne. Dazzling performance, often sounding more like a three piece band than a 20 year old singer songwriter guitarist. One-of-a-kind guitar style - 2-hand tapping, body percussion, old school finger-picking techniques; & dynamic vocal work. One of the most impressive one man shows.  Illawarra Folk Club, City Diggers, cnr Church & Burelli Sts, Wollongong.  7.30pm.  $20, $15, Youth (12-16) $7, under-12 free.  For info email or call 1300 887 034. 

Dahlia Dior & Emma Hamilton, celebrating Bastille Day with Dahlia's Edith Piaf show (a highlight of the recent Shir Madness Music Festival) & Emma's bright contemporary version of much-loved French songs plus originals. Both are performing with their own top bands.  Camelot Lounge, 19 Marrickville Rd (cnr Railway Pde), Marrickville.  9pm (doors 7.30).  Delicious food (incl. pizza) available. Fully licensed - NO BYO.  $25 Presale, $30 at door. Bookings.

Nigel Foote Trio ('No Real Job'). Nigel will be playing with his son Martin as well as his former student, talented young dobro player James Church.  Mid Mountains Folk Club, Joy Anderson Room, Mid Mountains Community Centre, Lawson.  2-4.30pm (NEW TIME!).  $7, $5, <12 free. Tea, coffee, light refreshments throughout the afternoon. You're welcome to bring food for yourself or to share & BYO alcohol.  Nick Szentkuti  4758 7953.

BMC Dance Workshop. Preview of Party Dances.  Pennant Hills Community Centre, Yarrara Rd. 7.30-9.30pm. $7. Felicity 9456 2860

Free screening of 'Eric Bogle - Live at Stonyfell Winery' (first of two) - just under 2 hours long. As Eric prepared to give up international touring in 2009, it was opportune to record a concert in Australia. 21 songs include ‘Now I’m Easy’, ‘Singing the Spirit Home’ &, of course, ‘And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda’. On stage he is joined by his long time playing partner John Munro, guitarist Peter Titchener, Emma Luker (violin) & Jon Jones (percussion).  North Sydney Community Centre. 7pm. Supper & singalong included. Please book with the Centre, 9922 2299.

Salsa dance classes. New term starting. Calle Salsa teaches Cuban style salsa in a fun & relaxed way. As well as one on one partner dancing we specialise in Rueda - lots of fun dancing in a 'wheel' or circle with called moves & partner changes.  The Lewisham Hotel, 794 Parramatta Rd - look for the big Cuban flag out the front. 7.30pm Cuban Salsa (or Casino). 8.30pm Cuban Rueda. Free social dancing from 9.30pm with DJ.  Live band Musica Linda plays on last Wednesday of month, 8.30-11.30pm, $10 entry.  Classes $15 casual or $120 for 10 week term. 0417 426684

Peter Hicks (Tas.), presenting the Matthew Brady Story - a fabulous hour long song cycle about the early Van Demonian bushranger, who led large gangs of former convicts on raids against the colonial establishment in the 1820s until his capture & execution. He learned bushranging skills as a member of Irish fighting force 'the Devil's Own'. Derring-do, seafaring sagas, sieges - with surprising resonances for today's economic times. Peter (song author), his nephew Connor Hicks (fiddle, vocals; ANU Conservatorium student) & Julie Barnes (narration, vocals).  Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Folk Club, Beatrice Taylor Hall, rear Willow Park Community Centre, Edgeworth David Ave, Hornsby.  8pm (doors 7.30).  $15.  BYO drinks, nibbles. Tea, coffee provided.  Candle lit, tables can be booked, Barry Parks 9807 9497.

Balmain Bush Dance, with Ryebuck, caller Margaret Bolliger.  (NOT 14 July, as on website, & p.12, June 'Mulga Wire'.)  Sydney Secondary College, Balmain Campus, 25 Terry St, Rozelle.  8pm-12.  All dances taught.  $17, $14, $12, incl. supper.  Don 9642 7950

Free screening of 'Eric Bogle - Live at Stonyfell Winery' - just under 2 hours long. (Details above.)  Humph Hall, 85 Allambie Rd, Allambie Heights. 7pm. Singalong included.  Bring some supper to share.  Kate 0412 771 394

Woody Guthrie Tribute with Peter Hicks (Tas.) & band. Woody, born 100 years ago, wrote ‘This Land Is Your Land’, ‘John Henry’, ‘So Long It’s Been Good To Know You’, ‘Worried Man Blues’ & so many more, that influenced later folk writers. + Mark Gregory, noted folklorist, will tell a little about Woody’s life & music. + Claire Roberts - local legend, singer songwriter; & local singers.  Illawarra Folk Club, City Diggers, cnr Church & Burelli Sts, Wollongong. 7.30pm.  $15, $10, Youth (12-16) $5, under-12 free. Info: 1300 887 034.

Mic Conway's National Junk Band. A wonderful night of Jug Band Blues, Jazz, Swing, Cabaret, New-Vaudeville, Comedy, Juggling, Fire-Eating ... etc, presented by Captain Matchbox himself, Mic Conway, & his fabulous band.  The Empire Hotel, 103A Parramatta Rd, Annandale (cnr Johnston St).   8pm.  $20, $15. All tickets at the door. Children allowed with a parent. Good food at reasonable prices.  9557 1701

CANBERRA:  Tracy McNeil Band.  + Nigel Wearne.  The Merry Muse (Monaro Folk Society), Canberra Southern Cross Club (The Bowlo), McCaughey St (cnr Condamine St), Turner.  7.30pm.  $17, $14, MFS $12, under-16 free.  Eileen 0412 127 882.

CANBERRA:  Canberra Contra Club's 7th Birthday Bash. All dances taught & called.  Note NEW VENUE for July dance party: St Ninians Church Hall, cnr Mouat & Brigalow Sts, Lyneham.  All welcome.  Please bring a plate of supper to share.  8-11.30pm.  $18, $14.  Rob (02) 6251 1287

CANBERRA:  Badja River Band. + Coolfinn Mac, + guest Nina Haysler.  The Merry Muse (Monaro Folk Society), Canberra Southern Cross Club (The Bowlo), McCaughey St (cnr Condamine St), Turner.  7.30pm.  $17, $14, MFS $12, under-16 free.  Eileen 0412 127 882. 

CANBERRA:  Dancers’ Dance: aimed at intermediate to advanced dancers, who should be familiar with all the bush dance basics - some Contra, Ballroom, Square Dance, Irish and/or Scottish will come in handy too. A mix of well known, interesting, new & some more difficult dances, with experienced callers, incl. Roger Gifford, Colin Towns, Mark Simmons, Roni Giacobetti, Jim Williams, & Kate Armstrong.  All Saints Church Hall, Ainslie.  8pm. $18, $16, $14.  Please bring a plate for supper.  Mark Simmons 6223 4245 (business hours).

QUEANBEYAN:  Shenanigans. And a mini reprise of the Pat Drummond tribute with Humbug & Craig & Simone Dawson. THEN … Pat Drummond, Geoff Drummond & Fred Pilcher reunite after many years to bring you The Toot Whistle Plunk & Boom Band!  The Artists Shed, 14 Foster St (behind Magnet Mart off Yass Rd).  2-5pm.  Entry by paper note donation. Enjoy a glass of wine, wonderful artworks, great music - & lovely rustic surroundings!  Ros 0438 768 754.